Ely, Minnesota is such a cute town to walk around in with a little something for everyone. People love to explore, canoe, and hike in the areas around the town, but from their small town vibes to almost completely dark sky, they’re the perfect place for a couple’s escape or a long weekend — even if, like me, you’re not a prolific outdoors person.
Ely is a small town with a population 3304 on the edge of the Boundary Waters. It’s basically as far north as you can get in the U.S. without going to Canada. It’s just 2 hours from Duluth, Minnesota, and it’s definitely worth the extra drive if you’re already at the Northshore.
I went to Ely for a few days to explore and enjoy some time in nature. If I had it to do again, this is how I’d do it. Here’s your perfect 48 hours in Ely, Minnesota including where to go, what to eat and where to stay.
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Day 1
Britton’s Cafe
Old time-y cash only diner with excellent breakfast. Lots of regulars eat here, and the hype is real. The food is delicious. I had perfectly poached eggs, and the serving sizes are very generous. I’m a big fan of this place! I wish it was open more days that I was there!
Kawishiwi Trail
Short and rewarding waterfall hike! The Kawishiwi Trail is less than a mile long with no steep inclines, and the waterfall along the loop is beautiful. Would be a great stop for families with kids or people who are wanting a beautiful view without a strenuous workout.
If you’re hoping for a longer hike, there’s also a 3.9 mile hike at the Trezona Trail Trailhead.
Lunch at Boundary Waters Kitchen
Local restaurant and specialty store with international products and ingredients like seaweed, Buldak, special teas, a small selection of groceries and more. In addition to their regular menu, they also often have specials which vary from week to week.
Piragis Northwoods Company/Bookstore and shop around Ely!
A huge shop with lots of outdoor gear and a bookstore on the side. They have a huge map in the back of the Boundary Waters along with printed maps and cloth maps on scarves. Staff is super helpful, and the whole place is really neat even if you don’t need anything for the outdoors.
This is a much bigger bookstore than I expected, and they have a lofted children’ s section.
While you’re at it, shop around the town. They have lots of different stores for souvenirs, art and local wares. Some of my favorite shops include: Three Jewels Pottery,
Dinner at Silver Rapids Lodge
We stayed at the Silver Rapids Lodge which is a campground and lodge with private cabins and a private beach/dock. It was a lovely place, and a destination on its own. They have a bar and some bites, but the standout was their pizza which they make in house. They offer a take and bake option if you don’t want to eat at the bar, but we demolished that whole pizza like it was nothing. I almost went back for a second one.
Go star gazing
Ely, Minnesota is near a dark sky zone, and the sky is so beautiful. One can often see the Northern Lights there, but I didn’t see any. Pro tip: check the NOAA projections for your trip to see if you’ll catch it.
Silver Rapids Lodge had a couple of places on site to stargaze within a five minute walk from our room, so that’s what we did, but ask locals for other spots if you stay elsewhere!
Day 2
Northern Grounds
Start the day at Northern Grounds, a cute coffee shop with great coffee and great vibes. It’s the kind of place that you’d want to go for a chill date or a catch up with friends. They have delicious sour dough and good pastries as well!
North American Bear Center
North American Bear Center is a black bear and wildlife rehab/education center with super friendly staff, bear tours where you can meet one of their 3 resident Black bears and lots of different exhibits about bears and the people who work with them. They take in nuisance bears and give them a new life.
Lunch at Insula Restaurant
Insula is a cozy (and busy!) restaurant in Ely with daily soups and specials. No reservation so walk in with plenty of time. Perfect place to try Northshore classics like walleye, and it’s right across the theater if you want to do lunch/dinner and a show.
Ely’s Historic State Theater
When I was there, a movie called “If I Tell You” was playing, and it was filmed in Ely! It was super cool to see some of the local spots that I visited and familiar sights on the big screen. The theater itself is cute, and the seats are comfortable.
Dinner at Oriental Orchid
The sole(?) Chinese/Viet place in Ely is actually pretty legit, and their egg drop soup healed me. Perfect for if you need a break from fried food. In the fall, they also pack pho for campers! I wish I got to try it! But that just means I’ll have to go back sometime.
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